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Mercedes-Benz enters the 2026 model year with basically the same lineup for 2025, but with a few notable additions, particularly on the entry-level end. The redesigned 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is due to reach dealerships later this year with a first-ever all-electric powertrain and revised tech, although the automaker still hasn't announced pricing.
Unveiled earlier this year, this third-generation compact will be available in all-electric CLA 250+ with EQ Technology (single-motor, rear-wheel drive) and CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology (dual-motor, all-wheel drive) forms initially, with a mild-hybrid powertrain option coming later. It debuts the MMA architecture for compact cars, incorporating an 800-volt electrical architecture for fast charging and efficiency lessons learned from the Vision EQXX concept. A new MB.OS operating system incorporates AI voice assistants, while an optional Superscreen display uses the Unity Game Engine for its graphics.
Interestingly, Mercedes will continue selling the outgoing CLA alongside the new version. Both are considered 2026 models, with the old car classified by Mercedes as a coupe and the new car as a sedan. The high-performance AMG CLA 45 S says goodbye with a Final Edition special.
Mercedes remains a bulwark against homogenization with its commitment to niche models like convertibles and wagons. Also scheduled to reach showrooms before the end of the year is the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series, a high-end version of the SL convertible from the automaker's Maybach sub-brand.
Starting at $226,050 with the mandatory $1,150 destination charge, the SL 680 adds Maybach styling touches like a chrome grille, 21-inch monoblock wheels, and available two-tone paint outside and Crystal White Nappa leather upholstery inside. It has the same twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 as other SL models, producing 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive manage that power, getting the Maybach SL from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.
Mercedes is also launching a wagon version of the AMG E 53 plug-in hybrid. It features a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six working with an electric motor to produce 577 hp (604 hp in Race Start launch-control mode), but a 21.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack also provides significant electric range (the sedan is EPA-rated at 42 miles). Pricing starts at $94,500 with destination, or $3,750 more than the AMG E 53 sedan.
Smaller changes include new EQE 320+ and EQE 320 4Matic versions of the EQE SUV and sedan, replacing the EQE 350+ and EQE 350 4Matic models. They get a 27-hp boost to 315 hp, cutting zero to 60 mph acceleration by half a second. EQS 400 4Matic and EQS 550 4Matic models also replace the EQS 450 4Matic and EQS 580 4Matic models, respectively, in the EQS SUV lineup. Mercedes is also rolling out North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters throughout its EV lineup.
A new Engineering Package for the CLE-Class coupe adds the rear-axle steering that was previously restricted to AMG performance versions of the CLE, along with adaptive damping. The base CLE convertible gets optional adaptive damping as well, but rear-axle steering is still available only on the AMG CLE 53 convertible. Other models see small changes to trim and feature content, as well as wider availability of Manufaktur special paint colors.
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Sep 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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